Under-13 Div 1

26th Sept 2020 at Beaumount Park

Avondale United – 2

Carrigtwohill United – 4

Scorers: Rian Thornhill (3), Cillian Rooney (1)

Carrigtwohill United Under-13’s travelled to Beaumont Park on Saturday afternoon to face Avondale United with the hope of returning to winning ways and they would not disappoint.

For the first time this season all 16 of the squad were available and this gave the management team of Declan O Keeffe, Gavin Thornhill and Phillip Barry a real headache as the boys had worked really hard in training during the week following the disappointment of defeat to Bandon last weekend.

Carrigtwohill would start with Adam Lee(c) in goal and a back 4 of Niall Barry, Osas Aghedo, Jarlath Cullimore and Ronan McCarthy. Roan O Keeffe would anchor the midfield with Cathal Seymour and Tom Walsh playing just ahead and a front 3 of Cillian Rooney, Rian Thornhill and Kyle Kidney would hope to do the damage up top. In reserve the visitors were equally strong with Noah Nsengiyumva, Noah Eddins, Sean Og Madden, Morgan Foley and Evan O Regan O Connor.

Carrigtwohill were right at it with their midfield dominating from the off and in the 10th minute Cillian finished off a fine move involving Cathal and Kyle to give the visitors the lead. Two minutes later Rian pressured an Avondale kick out and nicked the ball to shoot past the helpless goalkeeper.

The hosts were still wondering what hit them when following some good work by Kyle on the right, Cillian flicked the ball over the Avondale defender and cushioned a volley to the near post where Rian was waiting to nod home, 3-0 and only 15 minutes played. The home team would rally before half time but solid defending and commanding goalkeeping ensured Carrigtwohill got to the break without being breached.

Determined to build on their 1st half performance Carrigtwohill were on the attack right away and should have had a penalty when Cillian was tripped up in the box. The referee seemed unsure and despite putting his whistle in his mouth he never blew and Avondale cleared. Shortly after this the game was put beyond the hosts when Rian slotted home from close range for his hat trick following a low cross from Kyle.

Carrigtwohill lost midfield general Roan to injury and the number of changes made it difficult to keep the intensity up but not for the want of trying. Avondale were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty for a handball offence Cathal couldn’t avoid and they scored to pull one back.

With 12 minutes left Cillian was again fouled in the box, this time the penalty was given and the number 9 picked himself up to take the kick. Unfortunately, it wasn’t well struck and the keeper saved easily. With the clock ticking down Avondale launched an attack and a through ball found their striker in what looked like an offside position, he finished well and the goal stood.

So a 4-2 victory and 3 points see Carrigtwohill return to the top of the table, early days yet but the signs are there that this could be a good season for this very committed bunch of lads. Well done to all involved.

Player of the Match: Rian Thornhill